Suppliers of 2017 World Under-18 Champions in Nairobi are yet to be paid. [Photo/kenyanstar.co.ke]
Kenya has been put on spot over failure to pay for debts accrued during the 2017 World Under-18 Champions in Nairobi.
Some suppliers claim they are yet to be paid for their services rendered five months ago.
Angus Clarke, a South African television and lightning consultant, said the government is yet to pay him close to 10 million owed to him.
He said that he was hired to replace and correct the lighting system at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where the event was held.
"The IAAF TV specialists and TV host broadcaster decreed that the lighting was inadequate for international TV coverage, especially athletics," he said.
In a statement seen by the Daily Nation Clarke added: "I was called in only two weeks prior to start of games, to advise on what could be done to save organisers from the embarrassment of putting out a sub-standard product to the international TV market."
Clarke said with time constraints against them, they often worked throughout the night to the early hours of the morning hoping to be paid at the completion of the championships, as he has been assured.
"We managed to correct all 230 stadium lights for cross field lighting in record time," he said.
Another supplier who provided equipment and other materials used during the race walk said he is yet to receive his money.
John Kimani, director of J.G Kims Company Limited said he was contracted to supply score boards, judges marks and marking cones worth more than Sh700,000.
However, World Under-18 CEO Mwangi Muthee said the Ministry of Sports led by CS Hassan Wario had released all payment for suppliers and contractors after the event.
"We signed the vouchers and everything was approved and payments made through Sports Kenya, who however tell us that Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) took the money. We really don't know what is happening now," Muthee told Daily Nation on Thursday.